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Uzbekistan

Ozbekiston

Capital:Tashkent (Toshkent)
Population:35.8M
Currency:Uzbekistan Sum (UZS)
Language:Uzbek 74.3%, Russian 14.2%, Tajik 4.4%, other 7.1%
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Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan Factsheet

Customs and Culture

Cultural Attributes

Uzbekistan has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, influenced by its location along the Silk Road trading route and the history of different empires and dynasties that have ruled the region. Here are some cultural attributes that are unique to Uzbekistan:

Traditional clothing: The traditional clothing in Uzbekistan includes colorful and ornate dresses and robes, often adorned with intricate embroidery, beadwork, and other decorations. Men's traditional clothing includes the distinctive Uzbek cap called the "tubeteika".

Music and dance: Uzbekistan has a vibrant music and dance scene, with a range of traditional instruments such as the dombra, tanbur, and doira. The dances are often performed in groups and feature elaborate costumes and movements.

Crafts and art: Uzbekistan is known for its skilled craftsmen and artisans who produce exquisite ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and wood carvings. The traditional art of Suzani embroidery, which features intricate patterns and motifs, is particularly famous.

Hospitality: Uzbekistan is known for its hospitality, with guests often welcomed with open arms and treated to generous meals, tea, and sweets. Hospitality is seen as a key value in Uzbek culture and is deeply ingrained in everyday life.

Religion: Islam is the dominant religion in Uzbekistan, and the practice of Islam is an important cultural attribute. Mosques and other religious buildings are common throughout the country, and many traditional rituals and customs are associated with Islam.

Respect for elders: Respect for elders is an important cultural value in Uzbekistan, with older people often given great respect and authority in families and communities.

Literature and poetry: Uzbekistan has a rich literary tradition, with famous poets and writers such as Ali-Shir Nava'i, Abdulla Qodiriy, and Zulfiya Isroilova. Poetry is particularly celebrated, and recitations of poems are often part of cultural events and gatherings.

Children are taught that it is wrong to openly confront an adult.

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Crossroads of the Silk Road

Get More Customs and Culture

6 more cultural topics for members

Social Customs & Etiquette · Diet · Family · Dating Customs · Recreation · Student Life

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Holidays

  • Independence Day

    9/1

    Independence Day

  • Christmas

    12/25

    Christmas

    Christmas in the nation of Uzbekistan is virtually non-existent. The culture of the country is predominantly Muslim. This means that Christmas in Uzbekistan does not have the traditional fanfare and festive ambiance as most other countries. The Orthodox Christian minority community tend to spend Christmas in solemnity in the privacy of their own homes, without any fanfare. Even if they would like to purchase a Christmas tree or decorations, no stores sell them. The celebrated festival of this period is New Year, which features fireworks and community gatherings.

Dates of Interest

  • March 8th

    This holiday is celebrated on March 8th and is a day to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women in Uzbekistan and around the world.

How do people greet each other in Uzbekistan?

Men always shake hands with other men, and a handshake can substitute for a formal introduction. Close friends and family of the same sex often greet with kisses, and elders commonly receive a kiss as a sign of respect.

Do

  • Men: shake hands with other men, even without a formal introduction
  • Women: extend your hand first if you want a handshake
  • Remove gloves when shaking hands in winter
  • Greet women with a hug and handshake

Don’t

  • Don't feel offended as a female traveler if you're not included in the handshaking—it's a sign of respect

Good to know

  • Kissing is the most common greeting in the region, sometimes exceeding the usual two or three kisses when showing deep respect or joy

What are the dining and toasting customs in Uzbekistan?

Toasting is central to a banquet, with each guest taking a turn as toast master, standing with a glass of vodka to deliver a short speech before everyone clinks glasses and drinks.

Do

  • Include in your toast: thanks, praise to the host, something witty, and best wishes for health and prosperity
  • Lay a strong foundation of bread and cheese quickly, as the first toast comes within minutes
  • Be prepared to take your turn as toast master

Good to know

  • You may be expected to finish your entire glass when drinking

What etiquette should I keep in mind in Uzbekistan?

Uzbeks have a strong sense of duty to elders, and openly confronting an adult is considered wrong. Hospitality is a deeply held value, with guests welcomed generously.

Do

  • Show great respect to older people, who hold authority in families and communities
  • Accept the generous meals, tea, and sweets offered to guests

Don’t

  • Don't openly confront an adult

What should I wear in Uzbekistan?

Western-style clothing is common, often combined with traditional Uzbek styles. Traditional men's wear includes the doppilar (small square black skullcap) and the chopan (long quilted robe), while women wear brightly colored dresses.

Good to know

  • Doppilar caps are embroidered with patterns indicating family ties or place of birth
  • Islam is the dominant religion, and religious buildings are common throughout the country

What gestures are meaningful in Uzbekistan?

A subtle bow with a hand placed over the heart is a common gesture of deep respect, often accompanying a handshake.

Do

  • When shaking hands, men place the left hand over the heart with a slight bow
  • When not shaking hands, place the right hand on the chest—used when thanking, saying goodbye, or a younger man passing an elder

Good to know

  • The bow is subtle, an almost indiscernible inclination of the head

What is family life like in Uzbekistan?

Many households include more than one generation, and it is customary for the youngest son and his wife to live permanently in his father's home. The wedding (kelin toi) is an important occasion.

Good to know

  • A new wife usually moves in with her husband's family until the next son is ready to marry

What sports and recreation are popular in Uzbekistan?

Soccer is the most popular sport, alongside traditional pastimes like kyrash wrestling and a polo-like game where horsemen compete over a goat carcass.

Good to know

  • Payr is an unrehearsed debate where the first to fail to respond quickly loses
  • Bakka (tightrope walking) is a favorite entertainment for celebrations

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Uzbekistan

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Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Currency
Uzbekistani sum (UZS)
Time Difference
UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Climate
The area has a severe continental climate that is dry and hot in summer and cool and wet in winter. In the long summer, daytime temperatures often reach or surpass 40°C (104°F), but humidity is low. During the short winter, daytime temperatures usually stay above freezing, but can dip well below, and snow is not unusual. Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons.
Airports
247
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Recipes

Featured Dish

Airon — Yogurt Drink

Beverage

Browse all 4 recipes

History

Historical Eras

  1. Ancient & Silk Road

    500 BCE – 700

    The territory of modern Uzbekistan formed the core of ancient Sogdia and Bactria, traversed by Achaemenid Persian and then Macedonian conquerors — Alexander the Great passed near Samarkand in 327 BCE. The region flourished as a nexus of the Silk Road, with cities like Samarkand and Bukhara serving as major commercial and cultural hubs linking China, Persia, and the Mediterranean world.

  2. Islamic & Samanid Era

    700 – 1220

    Arab armies conquered Central Asia in the eighth century, introducing Islam and absorbing the region into the Abbasid Caliphate. The indigenous Samanid dynasty reasserted local rule in the ninth century, presiding over a brilliant Persian-Islamic cultural renaissance centered on Bukhara. This era produced major scholars including Ibn Sina (Avicenna) and established Sunni Islam as the enduring faith of the region.

  3. Mongol & Timurid Period

    1220 – 1500

    Genghis Khan's Mongol forces devastated the region in 1220, sacking Samarkand and Bukhara and depopulating much of the settled heartland. Recovery came under Timur (Tamerlane), the Turkic-Mongol conqueror who made Samarkand the glittering capital of a vast empire in the fourteenth century. The Timurid dynasty that followed sponsored extraordinary architectural monuments — including the Registan and Gur-e-Amir — that remain Uzbekistan's defining cultural heritage.

  4. Khanates & Emirates

    1500 – 1865

    Following Timurid decline, the region fragmented into competing Uzbek Khanates — Bukhara, Khiva, and Kokand — ruled by dynasties with strong ties to Persian culture and Sunni Islamic tradition. These city-states sustained sophisticated urban civilizations but engaged in chronic internecine warfare and the slave trade, weakening their capacity to resist outside pressure. By the early nineteenth century, all three khanates were in structural decline as Russian imperial power advanced from the north.

  5. Russian & Soviet Rule

    1865 – 1991

    Russia occupied Tashkent in 1865 and completed its conquest of Central Asia by the 1880s, dissolving the Khanate of Kokand (1876) and reducing Bukhara and Khiva to protectorates. After the Bolshevik Revolution, the Soviet Socialist Republic of Uzbekistan was formally constituted in 1924, with Stalin redrawing borders to fracture ethnic cohesion. Moscow subjected the republic to intensive cotton monoculture, producing severe environmental devastation including the near-total destruction of the Aral Sea.

  6. Independent Uzbekistan

    1991 – present

    Uzbekistan declared independence on September 1, 1991, under President Islam Karimov, who ruled with authoritarian consolidation until his death in 2016. The country has pursued gradual economic diversification away from cotton, developing its substantial mineral, natural gas, and petroleum reserves, while facing persistent challenges including Islamic militancy, endemic corruption, and constrained civil liberties. Shavkat Mirziyoyev's presidency, beginning in 2016, introduced cautious liberalization and a more open regional diplomacy.

Overview

Located in the heart of Central Asia between the Amu Darya and Syr

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Timeline of Key Events

  1. 601 – 800

    Arabs conquer Uzbekistan and introduce Islam.

    Arabs conquer Uzbekistan and introduce Islam.

  2. 1141

    Battle of Samarkand (Uzbekistan): Yelutashi defeated Islams.

    Battle of Samarkand (Uzbekistan): Yelutashi defeated Islams.

  3. 1201 – 1400

    Uzbekistan and the rest of Central Asia conquered by Genghis Khan.

    Uzbekistan and the rest of Central Asia conquered by Genghis Khan and becomes part of Mongol empire.

  4. 1301 – 1400

    Uzbekistan part of Turkic ruler Tamerlane’s empire with Samarkand as its capital.

    Uzbekistan part of Turkic ruler Tamerlane’s empire with Samarkand as its capital.

  5. 1701 – 1900

    Uzbekistan comes under independent emirates.

    Uzbekistan comes under independent emirates and khanates of Bukhara, Kokand and Samarkand.

  6. 1917

    Tashkent soviet established following Bolshevik revolution in Russia.

    Tashkent soviet established following Bolshevik revolution in Russia.

  7. 1924

    Stalin divided remnants of Turkestan into the current Central Asian republics.

    Stalin divided remnants of Turkestan into the current Central Asian republics.

View full timeline (13 events)
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Interesting Facts

  • In 2002 it was reported that Russian and Uzbek archaeologists discovered a number of ancient pyramids in the Kashkadarya and Samarkand regions of Uzbekistan. The pyramids which have a flat surface, similar to those found in Central America, are fifteen metres high and thought to be up to two thousand, seven hundred years old.

  • Over the centuries, parts of present-day Uzbekistan were known as Bactria and Sogdiana, and Maverannahr, and later, Turkestan.

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Geography and Environment

Located between the Amu Darya (Oxus) and Syr‑Darya (Jaxarteo) Rivers, Uzbekistan lies at the heart of central Asia. Along its borders are Afghanistan to the south, Turkmenistan to the west and south, Kazakhstan to the north, and Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan to the east. Aside from Liechtenstein, Uzbekistan is the world’s only other doubly landlocked country. Covering an area of 500,000 square kilometers, Uzbekistan is roughly the size of California.
Terrain
mostly flat-to-rolling sandy desert with dunes; broad, flat intensely irrigated river valleys along course of Amu Darya, Syr Darya (Sirdaryo), and Zarafshon; Fergana Valley in east surrounded by mountainous Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan; shrinking Aral Sea in
Climate
The area has a severe continental climate that is dry and hot in summer and cool and wet in winter. In the long summer, daytime temperatures often reach or surpass 40°C (104°F), but humidity is low. During the short winter, daytime temperatures usually stay above freezing, but can dip well below, and snow is not unusual. Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons.
Natural Hazards
NA
Current Environmental Issues
shrinkage of the Aral Sea is resulting in growing concentrations of chemical pesticides and natural salts; these substances are then blown from the increasingly exposed lake bed and contribute to desertification; water pollution from industrial wastes and the heavy use of fertilizers and pesticides is the cause of many human health disorders; increasing soil salination; soil contamination from buried nuclear processing and agricultural chemicals, including DDT
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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

Uzbek 74.3%, Russian 14.2%, Tajik 4.4%, other 7.1%

  • Russian
  • Uzbek

Population

Population
35,846,648
Population in Major Urban Areas
TASHKENT (capital) 2.227 million
Nationality Noun
Uzbekistani
Ethnic Groups
Uzbek 80%, Russian 5.5%, Tajik 5%, Kazakh 3%, Karakalpak 2.5%, Tatar 1.5%, other 2.5%

Education

Literacy Definition
age 15 and over can read and write

Health Information

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in Uzbekistan has shown steady improvement over recent decades, reflecting advances in healthcare infrastructure, public health initiatives, and rising living standards across the country. As of the most recent estimates, the average life expectancy at birth in Uzbekistan stands at approximately 73 to 74 years overall, with women typically living longer than men — around 76 to 77 years for females compared to roughly 70 to 71 years for males. This gap between male and female life expectancy is consistent with broader regional patterns in Central Asia and is influenced by several factors, including higher rates of cardiovascular disease among men, occupational hazards, and historically greater rates of tobacco and alcohol use among the male population. Uzbekistan has made notable progress since the Soviet era, when the country's health system, while widespread, struggled with structural inefficiencies and limited resources. Following independence in 1991, the country underwent significant healthcare reforms aimed at modernizing medical facilities, improving maternal and child health services, and expanding access to care in rural areas. These reforms have contributed to sustained reductions in infant mortality and meaningful improvements in overall population health outcomes. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in Uzbekistan, accounting for a significant share of premature mortality. Respiratory illnesses, cancer, and complications from diabetes also represent major health burdens. Environmental factors, including air and water quality concerns in certain regions, continue to influence population health, particularly in areas affected by the long-term ecological degradation surrounding the Aral Sea basin. The government has invested in expanding primary healthcare networks and encouraging preventive medicine, which has helped drive gradual improvements in life expectancy. Ongoing national health reform programs have prioritized strengthening rural health services, improving diagnostic capacity, and reducing the prevalence of non-communicable diseases. International organizations and development partners have also supported health system strengthening efforts throughout the country. While Uzbekistan's life expectancy figures are broadly comparable to several neighboring Central Asian nations, they remain below the averages seen in many Western European and East Asian countries, highlighting ongoing opportunities for continued investment in public health infrastructure, workforce development, and healthcare quality.
Infant Mortality Rate
Uzbekistan has made substantial progress in reducing infant mortality over the past two decades, reflecting broader improvements in healthcare infrastructure, maternal health services, and public health initiatives across the country. As of the most recent available data, Uzbekistan's infant mortality rate stands at approximately 17 to 19 deaths per 1,000 live births. This figure represents a dramatic decline from the early 1990s, when the rate exceeded 40 deaths per 1,000 live births following the disruptions to healthcare systems that accompanied the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Several factors have contributed to this downward trend. The Uzbek government has invested significantly in expanding access to prenatal and postnatal care, particularly in rural and remote regions where healthcare access has historically been limited. Vaccination coverage rates have improved substantially, with immunization programs targeting diseases such as measles, diphtheria, and pertussis that once contributed heavily to infant deaths. Improvements in clean water access and sanitation have also played a meaningful role in reducing deaths from diarrheal and infectious diseases in newborns and young infants. UNICEF and the World Health Organization have supported targeted interventions in Uzbekistan aimed at strengthening neonatal care units, training skilled birth attendants, and improving emergency obstetric care. These partnerships have been particularly important in addressing neonatal mortality, which accounts for the majority of infant deaths in the country. Despite the progress made, disparities remain. Rural areas, particularly in the Karakalpakstan autonomous republic and the Fergana Valley region, tend to have higher infant mortality rates compared to urban centers such as Tashkent. Poverty, limited transportation infrastructure, and shortages of trained medical personnel in remote communities continue to pose challenges. Uzbekistan's infant mortality rate remains higher than the average for European countries and Central Asian neighbors such as Kazakhstan, but the consistent downward trajectory signals that ongoing health reforms and international partnerships are yielding measurable results. Continued investment in maternal and child health services will be essential to further closing this gap.

Life Expectancy

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in Uzbekistan has shown steady improvement over recent decades, reflecting advances in healthcare infrastructure, public health initiatives, and rising living standards across the country. As of the most recent estimates, the average life expectancy at birth in Uzbekistan stands at approximately 73 to 74 years overall, with women typically living longer than men — around 76 to 77 years for females compared to roughly 70 to 71 years for males. This gap between male and female life expectancy is consistent with broader regional patterns in Central Asia and is influenced by several factors, including higher rates of cardiovascular disease among men, occupational hazards, and historically greater rates of tobacco and alcohol use among the male population. Uzbekistan has made notable progress since the Soviet era, when the country's health system, while widespread, struggled with structural inefficiencies and limited resources. Following independence in 1991, the country underwent significant healthcare reforms aimed at modernizing medical facilities, improving maternal and child health services, and expanding access to care in rural areas. These reforms have contributed to sustained reductions in infant mortality and meaningful improvements in overall population health outcomes. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in Uzbekistan, accounting for a significant share of premature mortality. Respiratory illnesses, cancer, and complications from diabetes also represent major health burdens. Environmental factors, including air and water quality concerns in certain regions, continue to influence population health, particularly in areas affected by the long-term ecological degradation surrounding the Aral Sea basin. The government has invested in expanding primary healthcare networks and encouraging preventive medicine, which has helped drive gradual improvements in life expectancy. Ongoing national health reform programs have prioritized strengthening rural health services, improving diagnostic capacity, and reducing the prevalence of non-communicable diseases. International organizations and development partners have also supported health system strengthening efforts throughout the country. While Uzbekistan's life expectancy figures are broadly comparable to several neighboring Central Asian nations, they remain below the averages seen in many Western European and East Asian countries, highlighting ongoing opportunities for continued investment in public health infrastructure, workforce development, and healthcare quality.
Infant Mortality Rate
Uzbekistan has made substantial progress in reducing infant mortality over the past two decades, reflecting broader improvements in healthcare infrastructure, maternal health services, and public health initiatives across the country. As of the most recent available data, Uzbekistan's infant mortality rate stands at approximately 17 to 19 deaths per 1,000 live births. This figure represents a dramatic decline from the early 1990s, when the rate exceeded 40 deaths per 1,000 live births following the disruptions to healthcare systems that accompanied the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Several factors have contributed to this downward trend. The Uzbek government has invested significantly in expanding access to prenatal and postnatal care, particularly in rural and remote regions where healthcare access has historically been limited. Vaccination coverage rates have improved substantially, with immunization programs targeting diseases such as measles, diphtheria, and pertussis that once contributed heavily to infant deaths. Improvements in clean water access and sanitation have also played a meaningful role in reducing deaths from diarrheal and infectious diseases in newborns and young infants. UNICEF and the World Health Organization have supported targeted interventions in Uzbekistan aimed at strengthening neonatal care units, training skilled birth attendants, and improving emergency obstetric care. These partnerships have been particularly important in addressing neonatal mortality, which accounts for the majority of infant deaths in the country. Despite the progress made, disparities remain. Rural areas, particularly in the Karakalpakstan autonomous republic and the Fergana Valley region, tend to have higher infant mortality rates compared to urban centers such as Tashkent. Poverty, limited transportation infrastructure, and shortages of trained medical personnel in remote communities continue to pose challenges. Uzbekistan's infant mortality rate remains higher than the average for European countries and Central Asian neighbors such as Kazakhstan, but the consistent downward trajectory signals that ongoing health reforms and international partnerships are yielding measurable results. Continued investment in maternal and child health services will be essential to further closing this gap.
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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
Uzbekistan
Full Country Name
Republic of Uzbekistan
Local - Long
Ozbekiston Respublikasi
Local - Short
Ozbekiston
Former Name
Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic

Government Structure

Government Type
republic; authoritarian presidential rule, with little power outside the executive branch
Legal System
evolution of Soviet civil law; still lacks independent judicial system
Executive Branch
chief of state: President Shavkat MIRZIYAYEV (since 14 December 2016) head of government: Prime Minister Abdulla ARIPOV (since 14 December 2016) cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president with approval of the Legislative Chamber elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term; election last held on 9 July 2023 (next to be held in 2030); prime minister, ministers, and deputy ministers appointed by the president election results: Shavkat MIRZIYAYEV reelected president; percent of vote - Shavkat MIRZIYAYEV 87.7%, with other candidates dividing the remainder of the vote
Legislative Branch
Bicameral Supreme Assembly or Oliy Majlis consists of an Upper House or Senate (100 seats; 84 members are elected by regional governing councils to serve five-year terms and 16 are appointed by the president) and a Lower House or Legislative Chamber (150 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms). Elections: Last held on October 27, 2024 (Senate) and October 27, 2024 (Legislative Chamber). Election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - NA; Legislative Chamber - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - Liberal Democratic Party of Uzbekistan (LDPU) 64, National Revival Democratic Party (Milliy Tiklanish) 29, People's Democratic Party (NDP) 20, Social Democratic Party Adolat 20, Ecological Party of Uzbekistan 17. Note: Political parties in the Supreme Assembly broadly operate within a framework supportive of the executive leadership. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who came to power in 2016 following the death of long-serving president Islam Karimov, has pursued a degree of political and economic liberalization, though independent political opposition remains limited and international observers have continued to note restrictions on genuine political pluralism.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court (judges are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Supreme Assembly)
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Constitution
new constitution adopted 8 December 1992
Independence
1 September 1991 (from Soviet Union)
National Holiday
Independence Day, 1 September (1991)

Capital City

Capital Name
Tashkent (Toshkent)
Capital - geographic coordinate
41 19 N, 69 15 E
Capital Time Difference
UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

tash means "stone" and kent means "city" in Turkic languages, so the name simply denotes "stone city"

Military

Branches: Uzbek Armed Forces: Army, Air and Air Defense Forces

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

The U.S. Embassy in Tashkent, Uzbekistan

#3, Moyqorghon Street

5th Block, Yunusobod District

Tashkent- 100093

Republic of Uzbekistan

Telephone: 998-71-120-5450

Fax: 998-71-120-5448

Contact the American Citizens Services section by email at consulartashkent@state.gov

If you are a U.S. citizen with an after-hours emergency, please call our hotline at: (99871) 120-5450

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Economy

Uzbekistan is a dry, landlocked country in Central Asia, with roughly 10% of its land consisting of intensely cultivated, irrigated river valleys. Although urbanization has accelerated in recent decades, about half of the population still lives in rural communities.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
Uzbekistan Sum (UZS)
GDP — official exchange rate
$9,860,000,000 (USD)
GDP Real Growth Rate
6%
Gini Index
26.8
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News & Weather

Current Weather

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Latest News

News via Google News

Climate Overview

The area has a severe continental climate that is dry and hot in summer and cool and wet in winter. In the long summer, daytime temperatures often reach or surpass 40°C (104°F), but humidity is low. During the short winter, daytime temperatures usually stay above freezing, but can dip well below, and snow is not unusual. Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons.

Videos

2 curated YouTube videos.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Uzbekistan?
The population of Uzbekistan is approximately 35.8M.
How do people greet each other in Uzbekistan?
Men always shake hands with other men, and a handshake can substitute for a formal introduction. Close friends and family of the same sex often greet with kisses, and elders commonly receive a kiss as a sign of respect. Do: Men: shake hands with other men, even without a formal introduction Women: extend your hand first if you want a handshake Remove gloves when shaking hands in winter Greet women with a hug and handshake Don't: Don't feel offended as a female traveler if you're not included in the handshaking—it's a sign of respect Kissing is the most common greeting in the region, sometimes exceeding the usual two or three kisses when showing deep respect or joy
What are the dining and toasting customs in Uzbekistan?
Toasting is central to a banquet, with each guest taking a turn as toast master, standing with a glass of vodka to deliver a short speech before everyone clinks glasses and drinks. Do: Include in your toast: thanks, praise to the host, something witty, and best wishes for health and prosperity Lay a strong foundation of bread and cheese quickly, as the first toast comes within minutes Be prepared to take your turn as toast master You may be expected to finish your entire glass when drinking
What etiquette should I keep in mind in Uzbekistan?
Uzbeks have a strong sense of duty to elders, and openly confronting an adult is considered wrong. Hospitality is a deeply held value, with guests welcomed generously. Do: Show great respect to older people, who hold authority in families and communities Accept the generous meals, tea, and sweets offered to guests Don't: Don't openly confront an adult
What should I wear in Uzbekistan?
Western-style clothing is common, often combined with traditional Uzbek styles. Traditional men's wear includes the doppilar (small square black skullcap) and the chopan (long quilted robe), while women wear brightly colored dresses. Doppilar caps are embroidered with patterns indicating family ties or place of birth Islam is the dominant religion, and religious buildings are common throughout the country
What gestures are meaningful in Uzbekistan?
A subtle bow with a hand placed over the heart is a common gesture of deep respect, often accompanying a handshake. Do: When shaking hands, men place the left hand over the heart with a slight bow When not shaking hands, place the right hand on the chest—used when thanking, saying goodbye, or a younger man passing an elder The bow is subtle, an almost indiscernible inclination of the head
What is family life like in Uzbekistan?
Many households include more than one generation, and it is customary for the youngest son and his wife to live permanently in his father's home. The wedding (kelin toi) is an important occasion. A new wife usually moves in with her husband's family until the next son is ready to marry
What sports and recreation are popular in Uzbekistan?
Soccer is the most popular sport, alongside traditional pastimes like kyrash wrestling and a polo-like game where horsemen compete over a goat carcass. Payr is an unrehearsed debate where the first to fail to respond quickly loses Bakka (tightrope walking) is a favorite entertainment for celebrations
What is the capital of Uzbekistan?
Tashkent (also spelled Toshkent) is the capital and largest city of Uzbekistan. It serves as the country's political, economic, and cultural center, and is one of the oldest and most populous cities in Central Asia. Largely rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1966, Tashkent today blends Soviet-era architecture with modern development and historic Islamic monuments, reflecting the country's layered history under Persian, Mongol, Russian, and Soviet rule.
Where is Uzbekistan located?
Uzbekistan is located in Central Asia, occupying a largely landlocked position at the heart of the region. It sits along ancient Silk Road corridors that once connected China to the Mediterranean world. Parts of its present-day territory were historically known as Bactria, Sogdiana, and later Maverannahr and Turkestan — names that reflect the country's long and contested place in Eurasian geography and trade.
What countries border Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan shares borders with five countries: Kazakhstan to the north and west, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to the east, Afghanistan to the south, and Turkmenistan to the southwest. As a doubly landlocked nation — surrounded entirely by other landlocked countries — Uzbekistan faces particular logistical challenges for trade and export. This geographic position has historically made regional diplomacy and overland routes critically important to its economy.
What is the predominant religion in Uzbekistan?
Islam is the dominant religion, practiced by approximately 88% of the population, the vast majority of whom are Sunni Muslim. Eastern Orthodox Christianity accounts for roughly 9%, largely reflecting the country's historic Russian and Slavic minority communities. While Islamic identity is deeply embedded in Uzbek culture — visible in the country's great medieval mosques and madrassas — the government maintains strict secular controls on religious practice and expression.
What is the currency of Uzbekistan?
The currency of Uzbekistan is the Uzbekistan Som, with the ISO code UZS. The som was introduced in 1994, replacing the Soviet ruble following independence in 1991. As Uzbekistan works to reduce its historic dependence on cotton agriculture and develop its mineral and petroleum sectors, the som has undergone significant reforms, including the liberalization of its exchange rate in 2017 — a landmark step toward greater economic openness.
What language is spoken in Uzbekistan?
Uzbek is the official state language, spoken by approximately 74% of the population. Russian remains widely used in business, government, and urban life, spoken by around 14% of residents. Tajik, spoken by roughly 4%, is concentrated in historic cultural centers such as Samarkand and Bukhara. Uzbek belongs to the Turkic language family and has been written in Latin script since the 1990s, replacing the Cyrillic alphabet introduced during the Soviet period.
What is Uzbekistan known for?
Uzbekistan is known above all for its extraordinary Silk Road cities — Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva — whose towering turquoise-tiled mosques, mausoleums, and madrassas rank among the most magnificent Islamic architectural ensembles in the world. The country is also associated with its long history as a major cotton producer, sometimes called the land of "white gold," though intensive Soviet-era cultivation severely depleted water resources and contributed to the near-disappearance of the Aral Sea. Uzbek cuisine, particularly plov (a rice and meat dish considered a national staple), and vibrant bazaar culture also define the country's identity.
What is the geography and terrain of Uzbekistan like?
Uzbekistan is a largely arid, landlocked country whose terrain ranges from the vast Kyzylkum Desert in the center and west to fertile river valleys fed by the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers, and foothills of the Tian Shan and Pamir-Alay mountain ranges in the east. The country has no sea coastline, though it once bordered the Aral Sea, which has dramatically shrunk due to Soviet-era irrigation diversion. This environmental degradation remains one of the most severe ecological disasters in modern history.

Last reviewed 2026

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